The word dulcimer is Graeco-Roman, meaning sweet song, and although its origin is uncertain, tradition holds it was invented in Persia some 2000 years ago, where it is called a santur.
There are different kinds of dulcimers: mountain dulcimers and hammered dulcimers. The mountain dulcimer is played by strumming the strings with the fingers or a pick.
The hammered dulcimer is played by striking the strings with small hammers, with the dulcimer resting either on the lap or on a table or stand. Typically, the dulcimer is set on a stand, at an angle, before the musician, who holds small mallet hammers in each hand to strike the strings.
